Ask the Advocate: Dyslexia Progress, Music Therapy, 504 vs IEP, FAPE, and Tough School Scenarios

In this Ask the Advocate episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham—The Special Education Boss®—answers your most pressing special education questions with clarity, humor, and straight-to-the-point strategies you can take to the IEP or 504 table.From dyslexia progress monitoring to behavior plans and field trip access, Karen reminds us: parents don’t have to settle for “we don’t do that here.” The law, the data, and your child’s needs drive the process—not convenience.✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:How to measure meaningful progress for dyslexia and dysgraphia.When music therapy can be included as a related service.What IDEA says about services delivered by a special education teacher (34 CFR 300.156).Why ADHD doesn’t always stop at a 504 plan—when to push for testing.The truth about meeting notes vs. IEP documentation.What happens if a district denies testing or delays evaluations.Why grades and IQ do not determine eligibility.ESY vs. compensatory services—why they’re not the same.Placement, LRE, and how to challenge cookie-cutter programs.Transportation as a related service under FAPE.Behavior Intervention Plans, discipline, and protecting your child’s rights.How to become an advocate in California (including Spanish-speaking families).📢 Next steps:Join The Academy: Special Education AcademyRegister for the EPIC IEP Intensive – Sept 27–28, 2025 (https://specialeducationacademy.com/training)“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy First month free, after that, cancel anytime. 📱 Follow Karen on:TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationbossYouTube: Special Education Academy🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)Because when...